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Ontario Government Agency History (AA101)
Under the British North America Act of 1867, the Lieutenant Governor is the representative of the Crown and nominal chief executive officer in Ontario. The Lieutenant Governor is a federal officer, appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of the Prime Minister of Canada, and is paid and liable to dismissal by the national government.
The Lieutenant Governor is appointed for a period of five years and carries the title of "The Honourable" for life.
Although the Lieutenant Governor has a certain amount of power and authority (such as the ability to refuse a request by the Premier for the dissolution of the Legislature, or the ability to ignore the advice of the incumbent Premier and Cabinet), this authority is rarely wielded. Presently, the primary function of the Lieutenant Governor is as a social figure, representing the Crown and provincial government in social settings and through the pomp of official ceremonies such as the opening of the Legislature.
When the Lieutenant Governor is unable to do so, the Chief Justice of Ontario acts in his/her place. As such, one or the other must be in the province at all times.
Constitution Act (British North America Act), Statutes of Great Britain 1867, Chap. 3
The Lieutenant Governor opens, prorogues (closes), and can dissolve the Legislature, and is responsible for swearing in the Premier and Cabinet Ministers.
Additional duties of the Lieutenant Governor include: signing all Bills passed by the Legislature into law; signing proclamations and appointments of persons to government posts; delivering the Speech from the Throne at the opening of a new session of Legislature; and engaging in a variety of social activities, such as receiving dignitaries, sponsoring awards, holding receptions, and attending religious, cultural, educational and recreational events.
Ontario. Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Ontario. Lieutenant Governor's Office
Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
Ontario. Lieutenant-Governor
Canadiana Name Authorities, 1996-12- 24
Aird, John Black. Loyalty in a changing world. The contemporary function of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario (Toronto: Office of the Premier, 1985).
Bell, George and Andrew Pascoe. The Ontario Government: Structure and Function (1988).
Saywell, John T. The Office of Lieutenant-Governor. A Study in Canadian Government and Politics (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1957).
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